OFF TO THE USA BY Yvonne Koh Before you start filling your mailbox with reams of brochures, catalogues and other literature, ask yourself a few simple questions. These will make the selection process much less frustrating and time-consuming. What are your educational objectives? At what academic level would you feel comfortable? It will do you little good to claw your way into a prestigious college only to discover the place leaves you dissatisfied for one reason or another. The right school is one that is comfortable and challenging, and which will allow you to do your very best, academically and otherwise. Do you prefer a large public university, or a small liberal arts college? Size has a major effect on the character of the school. Would you prefer to be in a college with many Singaporeans such as Cornell? Also, consider the location of the school. Are you looking for a school in a city, suburb, or out in the countryside? Do you want to bask in California sunshine and escape the cold northern winters? Do you play a sport or practice an instrument? If so, check to see that your list of colleges those where this is possible and encouraged. Are you concerned about the religious affiliation of the school? For those essentially decide not to accept a scholarship from a sponsor organization in Singapore, you might also want to compare fees (public universities are generally less expensive). And, the institutions themselves may offer financial aid and scholarships. It is also less expensive for you to narrow down your choices before going through the application process. There is no common application for universities in the US, unlike the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) form for Britain. Universities usually charge over US$50 for application fees, so it does not make sense to apply to 20 colleges just to try your luck. However, some scholarships sponsors will absorb the cost of your application to a few universities. Gathering info Visit the website of the school to get an overview. Look through the admission section of the site, it will tell you how to go about getting the relevant material you need. You can telephone, fax or email the college for application forms, brochures or prospectuses. Go through these carefully. On the surface, they often resemble one another, but a closer reading might well reveal more subtle themes and features. You might also want to consider a trip to the US to visit the colleges. While on campus, you will have the opportunity to meet with students and faculty, get an insight into dormitory life and explore the campus for yourself. Most colleges have student-run organizations which house students free-of-charge. Call the admission office well in advance of your visit to make these arrangements. Most universities have a Singapore Association with a website. From these, you can get a contact list of Singaporeans studying there. They should be able to help you with your questions and can direct you to other sources of information. The best way to find out of the right place for you is to talk to current students who are majoring in the areas you are interested in. Generally, undergraduates love to talk about their schools! Also talk to school-teachers, friends and seniors about what they know of the college. The university's online magazines and newspapers might be interesting reads as they cue you in on campus concerns and students' gripes. US News (www.usnews.com) conduct a yearly ranking of universities and colleges. These rankings are available on the internet at www.usnews.com/usnews/rankguide/rghome.htm, for liberal arts colleges. A word of caution though - use these as a tool and make sure you understand the methodology of ranking. Don't rely solely on rankings to choose a college. Apply early Early applications are for those who are sure of their first choice institutions. Check if the college of your choice offers this programme, and be sure to take note of the deadline. If students who apply early to one school are accepted, they will be required to commit to enroll in that school. Usually, you send in your application forms to the institution by end of October or start of November and can expect an admission decision in December. Procedures You will be required to write a number of essays. Some universities will even want them handwritten. You will most likely be asked to expand upon your visions and goals, life-changing experiences and other similar topics. Some schools will even take into account materials such as scripts and poems you have written and tapes of your performance. Do not procrastinate or you will find yourself in a last-minute panic, churning out canned platitudes. This is your chance to flaunt your genius, fulcrum clauses around the right verb and show that you are more than a padded-out resume. Most universities will arrange for an interview in Singapore with alumni. They are the only personal contact in an otherwise paper-driven process. Take advantage of this chance to ask any question you may have about the university. You may also be speared with questions about your take on postmodernism, political situations or programming of computers. The interview can be important for acceptance or just an informal chat, depending on which university. Reproduced from The Straits Times Scholars' Choice. Copyrights reserved.